Briñas

In the northern part of the Autonomous Region of La Rioja, Briñas is isolated in a sea of vines that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The town itself is an intimate gathering of weathered sandstone houses clustered around the 16th century church of La Asunción.

The red sandstone Romanesque portico of the church is suitably grand and the spire reaches into the sky acting as a religious beacon for many kilometres around.

There are several guest houses in which to relax from the wine-tasting tours that are offered by the cellars, or bodegas, of these parts.

Cut without doubt, the greatest attraction of Briñas and the area around is the wine. From Briñas you can walk around endless fields of vines bearing juicy purple fruit that march in ordered green lines away from the town. And in the evening, a glass or two of ruby red Rioja to wash down a plateful of honeyed roast lamb is a pleasure that few can claim to have experienced.

Food for Thought

The cuisine on offer in La Rioja uses the freshest of ingredients grown in the fertile lands around the towns and villages. Of note are peppers with garlic, roast black pudding and chorizo, mixed vegetables, broad beans, potatoes with chorizo, beans with quail, roast lamb chops garnished with vine leaves and honey and beef with peppers and onions.

For those with a sweet tooth, the peach and pears soaked in wine is particularly appreciated, while homemade food such as custards and rice pudding are found all over La Rioja. In Carnival week the typical food is torrijas, while in Holy Week lots of mulled wine is consumed. Snails, fish and beef with peppers are typical seasonal dishes in June.

More information: http://www.hotelesconencantodelarioja.com/